BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer
Several members of the Sayreville War Memorial High School wrestling team competed in several events over the past month or so, compiling a fine 19-5 record – which certainly bodes well for the varsity’s hopes for next winter.
The resurgent Bombers took second in the Greater Middlesex Conference’s (GMC) White Division last season, and coach John DeNuto has his sights set on the divisional championship.
“Our guys know they have to work hard if they want to contest,” he explained. “That’s why they’re wrestling during the summer. Our guys did it last year and it really helped them. Our motto is ‘Hard work in the summer pays off in the winter.’ “
The summer team went a perfect 4-0 at the Madison Duals in Moorestown, and followed that up with a 12-3 showing at training camp attended by 48 high school teams at The College of New Jersey, Ewing. DeNuto’s squad is coming off a 5-2 showing at the recent Old Bridge Duals.
Two of the team’s stalwarts, Eric Tsang at 135 pounds, and Scott Poore at 152 pounds, are coming off 30-win seasons and are both two-time District 20 champions as they enter their senior years. Tsang has 73 career wins, while Poore is right behind with 72 triumphs. Both are within reach of Tom Danielson’s team career win mark of 96. Mike Velardi and Tom Martinez are tied for second with 84 wins apiece.
“Tsang and Poore are our key guys, but I’m really expecting a strong team effort this winter,” DeNuto said. “We have a lot of talent, and I’m confident their dedication and hard work will be rewarded.”
Both Tsang and Poore went 19-5 over the summer.
Other members of the team include sophomore Pat Ronan, 16-8 at 103 pounds; sophomore Dan Bergfeldt, 17-7 at 112; junior twins Nick, 12-12, and John Boulten, 18-6, at 119 and 125, respectively; sophomore Ramon Santiago, 20-4 at 130; junior Ricky Petrocelli, 5-19 at 140; junior Mike DeLuco, 18-6 at 145; junior Jared Christensen, 12-12 at 160; junior Mike Knight, 20-4 at 171; senior Mike Pilch, 8-16 at 189; senior Robert Borzerielli, 16-8 at 215; and senior Joe DeLucia (6 wins) and junior Brian Miksiewicz (7-17) are the heavyweights. In addition, junior Joe LaRocca competes at 135 and 140 pounds; he posted four victories.
DeLuco and Santiago both approached 20 victories during the varsity campaign, while Ronan, Bergfeldt, Petrocelli, Knight, Pilch, and Borzerielli showed plenty of promise.
“I’m really proud of these guys. They’re putting the time in to get better, and we’re seeing the results,” DeNuto said. “Our goal is to take the varsity program to the next level, and this group is determined to make that happen.”
DeNuto said many of his competitors will continue competing in individual tournaments and events throughout the summer, while several will attend camps to further polish their skills.